Priest: ‘We are imperfect servants of an imperfect Church’

Fr. Franz Dizon during his first solemn Mass at the San Pascual Baylon Parish in Obando, Bulacan, March 20, 2018. JAYVEE CASTILLO

A newly-ordained priest underlined the important truth that he and his fellow priests are not perfect, possessing a lot of flaws.

“If you think that a priest always comes from a perfect family, this is wrong. The reason why I came from an imperfect family is because that I am going to serve the imperfect Church. God gave me an imperfect family so that I can serve the imperfections of the Church,” said Fr. Joseph Franz Dizon, a priest of the Diocese of Malolos, as he celebrated his first Mass at the San Pascual Baylon Parish in his hometown Obando, Bulacan on March 20, Tuesday.

According to, him personal imperfections and weaknesses are a challenge priests must face in order to serve an equally flawed Church and help overcome her imperfections.

Persistent call

Dizon said God’s calling to the priesthood is often persistent, inspiring young men to answer the call despite their own shortcomings and sins. He also acknowledged how his family and friends supported him throughout his eleven years in the seminary, helping him, especially when he wanted “to turn away from the priesthood.”

Moreover, he reminded the faithful to always pray for priests so they would not give into temptations, making them steadfast in their priestly duties.

Prayers matter

“If you hear unsettling news about me, please whisper [a short prayer] for me [wherever you are], even if you’re riding a jeepney,” said the priest.

Dizon stressed that priests need the prayers of the people all the time since without them, the flame of their vocation might go out. “You are the voice of the Lord that talked to me,” he said. “‘Be a priest as the Church needs you. You were chosen despite your weaknesses. You are loved even though you are a sinner.’ When you simply say to me that you are praying for me… you became the voice of God that I hear all the time.”

Since Obando is known for its tradition of the fertility dance, Dizon urged the faithful to dance for him in prayer as well, in anticipation of the challenges and problems ahead.